CROM Update: 001 with Guest Artist Jake Jacobs

Dec 5

Screenshot from Crom Update Podcast episode #001

Unearthing the Saga of Crom: My Journey Through the Past and Present of Barbaric Lore with Jake Jacobs

In the illustrious world of comics, where titans clash and epic tales unfold, I've been drawn to one name that echoes from a bygone era - Crom, the Barbarian. Allow me to take you along on my journey of reviving this classic, a quest I've undertaken to reshape Crom's narrative for today's aficionados.

It all started back in 2014 when my passion for the sword and sorcery genre set me on a search for a character that was in the public domain. My search led me to "Crom the Barbarian" by the legendary Gardner F. Fox and John Giunta, whose pioneering work had once filled the vibrant pages of pulp magazines and early comic books. It was my deep respect for their legacy and a commitment to preservation that drove me to unearth these scanned treasures and share them with the world. My ambition was never to own Crom but to honor and expand upon his legacy.

In paying homage, I've compiled a compendium, a book that encapsulates both the original Crom tales and my own reinterpretations, available through this dedicated website. The stories I've crafted pay tribute to Crom's enduring spirit, blending the essence of the original with my own contemporary artistic vision.

This labor of love has seen me revisiting my earlier works, enhancing them to reflect the evolution of my artistry, much like what I've done in my inks for the "Turbo Pitfighter" comic. My updates go beyond the visual; they are thematic, adding new layers to Crom's universe with the precision and depth that comes from a place of deep admiration and knowledge.

When considering Crom's place in literary history, especially in comparison to his kin like Conan the Barbarian, the differences are striking. Crom was the pioneer, the first barbarian to make the leap from prose to comic panels, leading the way for the Conan comics that would later become a cornerstone of the Marvel universe. This was a milestone of the 1950s, and Crom was at the forefront, the first barbarian to headline his own comic book.

Now, I'm building a bridge between Crom's past and his future. I'm delving into stories that explore his godlike stature, tales that trace his journey from mortal beginnings to the pinnacle of sword and sorcery fame, and ultimately to his ascension as a deity. This arc is more than just the chronicle of a character; it's a celebration of an entire genre.

Looking ahead, I'm excited about the future of Crom. I plan to publish a remastered edition of my original stories, now refined with a "gray valuing system". I aim to craft a 100-page work of art, with half of it dedicated to illustrated prose, all to breathe new life into the Crom saga.

Join me in this ongoing tale of Crom's resurgence, a character that encapsulates the raw, untamed essence of the barbaric spirit. Through my dedication, Crom is reborn - not as a mere echo of the past, but as a torchbearer for the future of epic storytelling.

Stay with me on this journey, as we don't just recall the past - we're bringing it back to life.